Bluetooth Headset -- Engadget Mobile

bluetooth headset posts

i.Tech's SolarVoice Bluetooth headset could save the environment, not your look

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 28th 2009 @ 8:41AM

Those looking for another excuse to wear a Bluetooth headset all the time just got it: iTech's $75 Dynamic SolarVoice 908. That awfully long title is applied to a conceptually simple device, a headset with a tiny solar panel on the side rated at five hours of talk time when fully charged. Sadly, though, there's no mention of how long you'll need to bask in the sun to get it there. (AC and USB charging are also naturally on offer.) Unlike earlier examples it's A2DP compliant, so it'll stream your tunes, and boasts integrated noise cancellation, so it's perfect for making your drunken barroom conversations a little more garbled.

Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset brings extreme noise blocking, $130 price tag

by Darren Murph posted Oct 20th 2009 @ 9:44AM

Okay, so this thing is way more "traditional Bluetooth headset" than "a round object that looks nothing like a Bluetooth headset," but we'll give the marketing team credit -- STONE sure got us looking. Jabra's newest Bluetooth headset has just become official, bringing with it a behind-the-ear design, a wireless portable charger (which doubles as a carrying case) and Noise Blackout Extreme technology to keep things quiet when your yammering. There's also a "nearly invisible touch-controlled volume pad" on the outside of the headset, a battery good for 8 hours of talk time (or 12 days in standby), dual BT pairing support and A2DP compatibility. Unfortunately, you'll have to waltz into an AT&T retail store starting on November 8th to get one, and worse still, you'll walk out $129.99 poorer. But hey, you'll leave Stoned. (Sorry.)

Jabra Stone to bring 'new shape' to Bluetooth headset field

by Darren Murph posted Sep 23rd 2009 @ 4:52PM

C'mon, cut us some slack here. We're suckers for teasers, and our intuition says that you are too. Jabra, who has definitely done a thing or two for the Bluetooth headset realm, is apparently looking to reveal a "new shape" on October 20th, though it'll only be sold through AT&T (at least initially). Heck, there's even a countdown timer over on the outfit's teaser page for those who'd like to watch every second from now till then tick away, not to mention a brief video that tersely details the forthcoming excellence. So, got any bright ideas about what this thing could be? The second coming of the BT headset? Just another tchotchke?

[Via Electricpig]

Motorola H17 latest in company's line of flip headsets

by Chris Ziegler posted Sep 21st 2009 @ 10:17PM

Motorola's developed an unusual reputation for "flip" Bluetooth headsets, most recently with the MOTOPURE H15 -- and if you're into that sort of thing, pay attention, because they've got another one coming down the pike. The H17 becomes Moto's smallest flip headset (we doubt anyone else is even competing for that title), measuring 54 x 17 x 10mm when open with CrystalTalk, voice prompts, multiple ear bud options, micro USB charging, and a power toggle controlled by the action of the flip. We'd still take an HX1 before this, but if you're game, it should be available by the end of the month.

Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones

by Darren Murph posted Sep 20th 2009 @ 3:02PM

Itching to command your iPhone 3GS via voice control, yet aren't willing to wrap one more cable around your precious dome? Your wildest dreams could possibly come true next month, when BudsGoBlue launches an iPhone-friendly set of Bluetooth earbuds that should act as headphones and a BT headset. We're hearing that the loops on each earpiece are "completely flexible," and judging by the teaser video hosted up just after the break, they look fairly seductive, too. Hop on down and have a peek for yourself, won't you?

[Via mobilitysite, thanks Toni]

Continue reading Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones

Sound ID 400 Bluetooth headset packs long list of unusual features

by Chris Ziegler posted Sep 14th 2009 @ 8:14PM

Generally speaking, you're trying to keep the jackhammers, trains, horns, and loudmouths that pollute the world's airspace out of your head while you're holding that conference call and walking back to the office from lunch at the same time -- but Sound ID's new 400 model takes a different approach. The upcoming Bluetooth headset has a couple unique features that set it apart from the crowd, the first being its so-called "Environmental Mode" -- shared with other Sound ID models -- which allows for two-ear hearing between phone calls without going to the trouble of taking the set out of your ear (the people around you might fancy you a dork, but they just don't get it, and they never will). The other biggie is compatibility with the company's not-yet-released Companion Link remote mic, which allows a second person to join into the conversation or simply repeats audio back to the 400. Look for the set to hit shelves in the fourth quarter for $129.99, with the Companion Link tagging along for $79.99. [Warning: PDF link]

Bluetooth headset use plummets in the US, humanity celebrates a small victory

by Darren Murph posted Sep 6th 2009 @ 3:34AM

Join us as we rejoice together: "Finally!" Look, we can't straight up say that Bluetooth headsets don't have their place in this world, but seriously, we've yet to not be freaked out when walking up to someone who's apparently speaking to the ghost we can't see. In a recent survey conducted by the quizzical minds over at Strategy Analytics, they found that only 26 percent of US-based Bluetooth headset owners use their device each and every day. That figure is down from 43 percent in 2008, proving that style may have just notched a minor victory over utility. Of course, the study also found that daily BT headset use was up slightly in Europe, but hey, it takes awhile for these so-called "trends" to float across the pond.

[Image courtesy of eHow, via HotHardware]

Samsung's WEP870 Bluetooth headset comes with earbuds, bundles of joy

by Darren Murph posted Aug 19th 2009 @ 8:19PM

Nothing too exhilarating here, but if you're looking for something new to sit atop the peak on your ear, Samsung's got a new trio it'd love for you to consider. The most interesting of the three is undoubtedly the WEP870, which marries a noise-canceling Bluetooth mono headset (with BT music streaming) to a set of earbuds. As with the less thrilling WEP850 and WEP470, this one also features multi-connection technology in order to pair with up to two BT devices at once. The 870 steps things up with an LCD screen to display battery level, call status and BT connection status, while the other two handle calls and little else. All three are available for purchase right now for $89.99 (WEP870), $69.99 (WEP850) and $39.99 (WEP470).

[Via HotHardware]

Nokia's world-beating BH-905 Bluetooth cans slip into the photo booth

by Darren Murph posted Aug 17th 2009 @ 8:03AM

Nokia's BH-905 made some serious waves when it debuted back in early June, but what else would you expect from a product that calls itself "the best headset ever made?" The Bluetooth-equipped cans, along with its ten microphones, supple ear cups and A2DP / AVCRP support, are expected to launch globally next month for around three hundred bones, and the fine folks over at NokNok have already managed to score a pre-release model. Aside from visibly gushing all over themselves, they also note that the cans are far smaller than the original press shots made them seem, giving cautious travelers reason to breath a sigh of relief. Hit the read link for a luxurious hands-on look.

MoGo Talk intros Bluetooth headset for iPhone, everyone else

by Darren Murph posted Jul 16th 2009 @ 9:03AM

At this point, Bluetooth headsets are pretty played, but it's some kind of thrilling to see at least one company keeping things interesting. Newton Peripherals is that very outfit, today introducing a pair of new devices that are definitely unique in a sea of me-too ear pieces. First up is the MoGo Talk for iPhone, which adheres to the back of your handset and keeps the headset nearby at all times -- think LG's Decoy, but a tad less elegant. Next up is the MoGo Talk for VoIP & Skype (our personal favorite), which slides inconspicuously into one's ExpressCard slot in order to a) stay out of harm's way and b) charge when not in use. Too bad Apple decided that these slots were practically unwanted in its newest 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, huh? Both devices can be pre-ordered right now for $99 apiece, with shipments expected to begin next month.

[Via HotHardware]

Read - MoGo Talk for iPhone
Read - MoGo Talk for VoIP and Skype

Motorola's Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset packs 'true' bone conduction technology, modicum of style

by Paul Miller posted Jun 18th 2009 @ 9:02AM

Motorola isn't shying away from a fight here with its Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset -- and if there's anything the Bluetooth headset industry needs, it's some manner of controversy. The company is calling its new HX1 the "only Bluetooth headset to use true bone conduction technology," with a user activated "Stealth Mode" that switches the set from regular mic to an in-ear sensor which picks vibrations right off the bone for talking in particularly noisy environments. Jawbone, on the other hand, picks up vibrations from the outside of the face, but primarily as an "Activity Sensor," though the latest version nabs some audio from those vibrations -- both manufacturers naturally claim a military heritage to their technology. It'll take some actual testing to see who wins out, but it sounds like some good tech from Moto all the same. We do know one thing, however: no amount of in-ear stylings can ever ease your transition into general society. No word on price of a US release date for the HX1, it hits Asia in July.

Nokia's Bluetooth BH-905 is 'the best headset ever made'

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 2nd 2009 @ 6:26AM

Pretty strong words from Nokia calling its new BH-905 headset "the best headset ever made." The claim comes as a result of a partnership with Wolfson Microelectronics to add its 10-microphone "feed-forward" active noise-cancellation technology to the headset -- 8 mics for capturing background noise, 2 for your voice. The headset can connect wirelessly over Bluetooth or via a selection of plugs for your home stereo, MP3 player, or airplane jack. It also features high-performance speakers with stainless steel audio controls on one can, phone controls on the other. They'll hit globally in August for a steep pre-tax price of €285 / $403. Hey, that's not bad for the best ever.

Gallery: Nokia's Bluetooth BH-905 is 'the best headset ever made'

[Thanks, Stephen R.]

Read -- Announcement
Read -- Microsite with video

Aliph Jawbone Prime arrives to coddle your ears, raid your wallet

by Paul Miller posted Apr 22nd 2009 @ 10:00PM

It's been almost a year since Aliph last graced the Bluetooth headset world with its presence, and now it's back with the Jawbone Prime to reclaim the throne. The Jawbone Prime is only a minor update -- on the surface, anyways -- to its predecessor, and in fact the only visible change is a slightly different surface pattern and a minor indentation to denote one of the headset's two invisible buttons. Other than the quite welcome addition of Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR (multipoint connections, easy pairing), almost all the improvements under the hood have to do with the algorithm tweaks of NoiseAssassin 2.0 to improve noise reduction. It's really too bad the original isn't firmware-upgradable (we asked). The Prime will be replacing existing Jawbones at retail for the same old $130 pricetag, and comes in Blah Blah Black, Coffee Talk and Going Platinum, while an "EARCANDY" edition is available in Frankly SCARLET, 'YELLO!, Drop Me A LIME and LILAC You Mean It. Both will be available at retail on May 2nd.

Gallery: Aliph Jawbone Prime press shots

Plantronics Voyager PRO gets purchased, unboxed early

by Darren Murph posted Apr 20th 2009 @ 1:52PM

Plantronics isn't planning to share intimate details about its Voyager PRO Bluetooth headset until April 23rd, but evidently its supply chain executives didn't exactly touch base with marketing before sending out stock to Best Buy. Jeff and John both managed to procure the $119.99 Bluetooth headset over the weekend, and we've got the shots to prove it. Based on the teaser site down in the read link, this here headset should be it's most advanced yet, but for a buck twenty, it better answer and respond to our calls without us having to intervene.

Update: Plantronics pinged us to say the price point here should be $99. Interesting.

[Thanks, Jeff and John]

Gallery: Plantronics Voyager PRO gets purchased, unboxed early

Nokia shows off song-inspired Bluetooth headset designs

by Donald Melanson posted Mar 25th 2009 @ 4:53PM

It didn't exactly cause that big a stir when it was first announced, but it looks like Nokia's Music Almighty headset design competition still managed to attract a respectable 6,000 entrants, and Nokia is now showing off the five winners that have been manufactured as fully-functional, one-off headsets. The hook of the contest is that all of the headsets had to be inspired by a song, which expectedly drew a whole range of designs from the stylish Daft Punk "Robot Rock" set above to feat of subtlety that is the R. Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly" headset after the break. Hit up the link below to check out the remaining winners, including not one but two Michael Jackson-inspired sets, and look for the whole lot to make their way to the Nokia Regent Street Flagship store in London next month.

[Via Core77]

Continue reading Nokia shows off song-inspired Bluetooth headset designs